In the early hours of Monday, an unconfirmed number of terrorists attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.
According to military sources, the attackers, mounted on motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.
The vigilant troops of OPHK, supported by the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, mounted a fierce resistance. The coordinated defense resulted in the terrorists being repelled, forcing them into disarray and retreat, with significant casualties recorded on their side.
The aftermath of the battle revealed that 12 terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops recovered the following items from the terrorists:
5 AK-47 rifles
1 RPG bomb and 1 RPG tube
2 Anti-Aircraft (AA) guns
1 QJC gun
1 NSV heavy machine gun
40 motorcycles
152 rounds of Shilka ammunition, among other equipment.
Additionally, four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the attackers were destroyed. Despite the successful defense, three gallant soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and determination, urging them to sustain their momentum through clearance operations and fighting patrols. He also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
